By our political correspondent
President Donald Trump has publicly expressed deep disappointment with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, criticising the United Kingdom’s cautious approach to the American‑led campaign against Iran. Trump said the UK hesitated too long in granting permission for U.S. forces to use British military bases in operations linked to the conflict, straining the “special relationship. In a highly unusual public rebuke, Trump accused Starmer of being overly cautious on legal grounds when initially refusing U.S. requests to deploy troops and aircraft from UK facilities including the strategic Indian Ocean base at Diego Garcia. “That’s probably never happened between our countries before,” Trump told The Telegraph, adding that he was “very disappointed” by the delay in authorising support.
Initially, the UK government declined to allow the U.S. to use British airbases for offensive operations, with ministers citing concerns about international law and the lack of a clear legal mandate for wider strikes on Iranian territory. Starmer’s government also made clear that Britain had no direct role in the USA Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, amid an escalation of the conflict including Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks that struck allied positions and British personnel abroad Starmer reversed course. On Sunday night, the prime minister announced that the UK had agreed to let the United States use British bases for limited defensive strikes targeting Iranian missile depots and launchers in a bid to protect British lives and regional partners.
He stressed that this did not involve Britain joining offensive operations against Iran. Downing Street sources said the shift followed urgent consultations with U.S. officials after Iranian attacks intensified across the Middle East, although Starmer maintained a firm focus on international law and the importance of de‑escalation. Trump’s criticism comes amid broader international reaction to the ongoing conflict. European leaders including France and Germany have taken a cautious approach, expressing support for defence of regional interests while urging diplomatic solutions. In Britain, the row has sparked debate among political figures. Some have said the government’s stance reflects a responsible balance between supporting allies and upholding legal norms, while others including some former intelligence officials have complained of a lack of “full‑throated support” for U.S. action.
Both London and Washington continue to emphasise shared objectives: preventing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ensuring the safety of allied forces and civilians across the region. But as the conflict persists, the diplomatic strain over military collaboration and the limit of British backing is likely to remain a key issue in transatlantic relations.
